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Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Celebrating Mattie Stepanek Peace Day

Councilmember Luedtke presenting the Mattie Stepanek Peace Day Proclamation.

I had the honor last week of presenting a proclamation recognizing Mattie Stepanek Peace Day alongside Councilmembers Gabe Albornoz and  Sidney Katz. This proclamation is a powerful reminder of the lasting legacy Mattie left behind through his poetry, activism, and unshakable belief in peace, even while living with a rare and fatal condition. His message continues to inspire us to lead with compassion and seek unity in our communities. 

On Mattie’s birthday, I joined his mother and so many others for the Toast 2 Peace community celebration in Rockville. The event brought together families, faith leaders, and civic organizations to promote peace and connection across neighborhoods. It was a beautiful reflection of the values Mattie held dear: kindness, inclusion, and the importance of listening to one another. 

Thank you to Mattie's mother, Jeni Stepanek, as well as to Councilmember Katz and Councilmember Albornoz, and all the incredible local leaders who joined the celebration. These moments remind us that peace is not passive, it’s a daily choice we make in how we treat one another.

Creating New Housing, New Opportunity

Yesterday, I proudly voted yes on an important zoning amendment to address the housing supply shortage that has driven home prices up 20% in the last four years. Our teachers, firefighters, police officers, nurses, emergency call takers, and workers must be able to afford to live in the communities they serve. Montgomery County lost 26,000 middle-income residents over the past two decades because of this lack of housing affordability, making this an urgent challenge that impacts all of us. The Zoning Text Amendment will allow duplexes, triplexes, and small apartment buildings along major corridors with setback, parking, open space, and stormwater requirements. This "missing middle" housing is an approach jurisdictions around the Country are taking that has provided new housing opportunities for the middle class, stabilized rents and home prices, and supported thriving communities. Thank you to lead sponsors, Councilmembers Andrew Friedson and Natali Fani-Gonzalez, and to everyone who has taken time to meet with me and to discuss this proposal over the last 14 months. Your views and your concerns helped shape this legislation, which is just one piece of the overall strategy we must continue to pursue to make our community more affordable.

In the News: Cracking Down on Unsafe For-Profit Parties

Councilmember Luedtke speaks with NBC4 regarding the Counci's passing of her bill.

I joined NBC4 Washington to talk about the Council’s passage of our Bill to crack down on dangerous, unlicensed commercially promoted mansion parties in our neighborhoods. These events often advertised online and drawing large, disruptive crowds have posed serious safety risks and quality-of-life concerns for residents, particularly in residential communities not designed to host nightclub-style gatherings. 

The legislation increases penalties for violations and strengthens enforcement tools to deter bad actors from turning private homes into commercial party venues. This is about protecting our neighborhoods, preserving residential zoning, and ensuring families are safe where they live.

In The Community...

Top left: Councilmember Luedtke sings the National Anthem at the Olney Cropdusters baseball game. Top right: Councilmember Luedtke and colleagues celebrate MCFRS Recruit Class 56’s graduation. Bottom left: Councilmember Luedtke joined by her son and community leaders at the Celebrate Damascus Parade. Bottom right: Councilmember Luedtke at the Toast 2 Peace Mattie Stepanek Peace Day Celebration in Rockville.

Free Back-to-School Vaccines Available Now

Is your child up to date on their vaccines? Montgomery County is offering free back to school vaccinations for students in pre-K through 12th grade now through the end of September. These required vaccines, including Tdap, MCV4, Meningococcal B, HPC, and Varicella, are available at no cost for Montgomery County Children who are missing any immunizations needed to attend school. 

Appointments are available at County health centers in Silver Spring, Germantown, and Rockville. A parent or guardian must be present and bring an ID and, if available, the child's immunization records.

MCPS Annual Drive for Supplies

Join us for the Annual Drive for Supplies event on Wednesday, July 24 from 9 AM to 2 PM at Parkland Middle School. Families can pick up free gently used and new school supplies, books, and more. Food boxes will be available from the UpCounty Hub and Rise-N-Shine Foundation, and staff will be onsite to help families sign up for SNAP, free and reduced price meals, and other support programs.

Get Paid to Electrify Your Home! 

Montgomery County residents can now access upfront financial incentives to switch from fossil fuel systems to electric. Don’t wait for your heating, cooling, water heater, or kitchen appliances to fail to start planning your transition to electric. Making the switch helps you avoid costly emergency replacements and lowers your carbon footprint. Learn more about available rebates and how to get started at Electrify MC. 

Apply Now: Community Advocacy Institute

Want to learn how to advocate for your community? The Community Action Board is accepting applications for the Community Advocacy Institute (CAI), a free training program offered in English and Spanish for Montgomery County residents with a household income of $70,000 or less. The program runs from October to May and includes monthly workshops focused on advocacy and policy change. Participants will complete a hands on advocacy project like testifying or meeting with elected officials. Apply before the July 31 deadline! 

Shape the Future of Arts & Culture in Montgomery County 

There’s still time to make your voice heard! The Cultural Planning Community Survey is open, and your input is essential for shaping the future of creative expression in our County. Whether you’re an artist, cultural worker, or arts enthusiast, your feedback will guide how Montgomery County and AHCMC invest in arts and culture to build a more inclusive, vibrant community. Complete the survey for a chance to win a $100 gift card! 

MoCo Farm Tour and Harvest Sale 

Montgomery County’s annual Farm Tour and Harvest Sale returns Saturday and Sunday, July 26-27, with 27 participating farms, orchards, breweries and wineries opening their gates to the public. Their self-guided tour offers residents and visitors the opportunity to shop local, learn about MoCo’s rich agricultural heritage and support the local farming economy through the Buy Local Challenge. 

Back 2 School Block Party

This free youth-centered event will provide school supplies, games, music, performances, community resources, and a space filled with joy, safety, and belonging for LGBTQIA+ families across the region. Live In Your Truth are currently seeking donations, volunteers, sponsors and table vendors to help bring this day to life–and they would love for you to join! 

If you would like to get in touch with me, please email me at Councilmember.Luedtke@montgomerycountymd.gov or call my office at 240-777-7860.

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